Latrell Mitchell has accepted the NRL’s proposed sanction of a one-match ban and a $20,000 fine for bringing the game into disrepute.
The NRL issued the South Sydney star with a breach notice a fortnight ago after a photo emerged showing him in a hotel room standing over a white substance. Mitchell had until 5pm today to respond.
The governing body is expected to deliberate before announcing the sanction and results of its investigation into the incident next week.
Mitchell has also been issued a separate breach notice by his club, South Sydney, and will front the Rabbitohs board next week.
The NRL is yet to determine when Mitchell will serve his one game ban, though Souths will lobby for it to apply this season and have Mitchell available for the 2025 season opener. The fullback is currently out with a Lisfranc injury and will not return this year.
Mitchell quietly returned to training this week, with South Sydney adamant they want the 27-year-old to “get his head right, and get himself in a good place” as another horror season comes to an end.
South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell.Credit: Getty Images
Mitchell rejoined his teammates in the gym at Heffron Park, where he started rehabilitation work on his injured foot.
Because of his unavailability for the remainder of the season – confirmed last week by caretaker coach Ben Hornby – the NRL may force Mitchell to serve the one-match ban in round one next year.
Souths want the ban served this year and have recruited the Rugby League Players’ Association for support, but that sentiment will be met with stern resistance from rival clubs.
Hornby said Mitchell was in good spirits, and the immediate goal for him the remaining three weeks was simple.
“He just has to be the best Latrell he can be – it’s as simple as that,” Hornby said on Friday. “The boys will motivate themselves. They’re ready to go. He’ll help out where he can, but for him, it’s about getting his head right and getting himself in a good place.
“He’s been into training this week, he had his scan, it came back positive, so he’s out of the [moon] boot. To go from being out of the boot, who knows how long it will take. It has been tough.
“He’s been a lot better this week. He can get on the cardio equipment, but he hasn’t been able to run.”
Hornby would not buy into the debate about when Mitchell should serve his suspension.
“All I know is we have to play this week and try to win with the team we’ve got – the Latrell stuff will take care of itself,” he said.
Souths will argue Penrith’s Taylan May was allowed serve a ban while injured at the start of the 2022 season. However, May injured himself after – not before – the NRL had put a ban in place.